Pilot controlled diaphragm type fluid control device



H. B. DRAPEAU 2,550,91 7 PILOT CONTROLLED DIAPHRAGM TYPE FLUID CONTROL DEVICE May 1, 1951 "2 Sheets-Shet 1 Filed May 18, 1944 Wa saw :2''''' liq/20. .0 B DEA/3540.

May 1, 1951 H. B. DRAPEAU 2,550,917

PILOT CONTROLLED DIAPHRAGM TYPE FLUID CONTROL DEVICE Filed May 18, 1944 2 Sheets-sheet 2 #42040 19. aenpwu.

.dling fluid underpressure. H I

Patented May 1, 1951 PILOT CONTROLLED DIAPHRAGM TYPE FLUID CONTROL DEVICE Harold B. Drapeau, Oak Park, 111., assignor to The DoleValve Company, Chicago, III., a corporation of Illinois Application May 18, 1944, Serial No. 536,123

14 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to an improved form of fluid control device, and more particularly to a fluid control device of the pilot controlled, fluid operated diaphragm type.

Conventional diaphragm type valves only operate satisfactorily when the high pressure side remains the same, or in other Words when the fluid pressure on the side of the valve which is normally the inlet side exceeds that on the side of the unit which is normally the outlet side. In such conventional valves if the pressure drop is reversed in direction, the diaphragm will open irrespective of the position of the pilot.

The valve unit of the present invention represents a distinct improvement over such conventional units in that it embodies means for preventing the undesired opening of the diaphragm by any reversal in direction of the pressure drop through the valve. The novel valve structure of the invention provides a structure in which the diaphragm is at all times under the full control of the pilot provided that the pressure drop is in the desired direction. It also'provides means for assuring a fully open valve when the pilot is operated to open the valve. Moreover, the unit operates to minimize the occurrence of pressure drops in the fluid system by any partial opening of the diaphragm.

The fluid control device of the present invention is particularly useful in a fluid system of the type employed for supplying fuel from a pluralityof storage tanks to an airplane engine. The device of the invention operates efficiently in such installations and serves to eliminate undesired cross flow between tanks and also tends to eliminate mechanical vaporization of the fuel through the valve such as might result in a vapor look. A suitable signalling system may be employed in cooperation with the valve of the present invention to indicate when the valve is opened to the flow of fluid.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel fluid control unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel pilot operated diaphragm valve having the above indicated desirabl characteristics. I

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fluid control unit embodying a flexible diaphragm for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough which is economical to manufacture and which is rugged and reliable in use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel fluid control device which is adapted to use in a fluid control system for han- Another and further object of the present invention is to provide a fluid control unit including a diaphragm adapted to be actuated by a pressure differential created on opposite sides of the diaphragm by the fluid itself and brought about by the automatic actuation of a pilot valve.

Another and still further object of the present invention is to provide a pilot operated diaphragm valve in which the fluid acting on the diaphragm to close the valve is always obtained from the fluid on the higher pressure side of the valve irrespective of which side of the valve the fluid of higher pressure is on.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of my invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. My invention itself, however, both as to its organization", method of operation and manner of construction, to-' gether with further objects and advantages thereof,,may best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: I

Figure l is an elevation with parts in section and broken away illustrating one form of fluid control unit embodying the novel features of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-section taken substantially along the line IIII in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a typical fluid control system embodying a plurality of the fluid control units of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a typical, wiring diagram which illustrates the manner of operation of the fluid control unit of the invention; and

Figure 5 represents an isometric view of one of the elements of the fluid control unit of the invention. 1

Referring now to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, there is shown in Figures 1 and 2 a fluid control unit I0 comprising a main housing member in the form of a castingv I I having a pair of oppositely disposed bosses defining an inletduct I2 and an outlet duct l3 each of which is internally threaded for connection to a suit-.- able fluid supply conduit. The casting H is provided with an internal well [4 into which a substantially centrally disposed elbow portion 15 of the casting ll projects. The elbow portion I5 is adapted to define an outlet passage I5 communi- The casting H is provided with an outturned flange portion I8 to which is secured a cover member I9 having a correspondingly shaped flanged portion 20. The cover member I9 is demountably attached to the casting I I as by means of a plurality .of machin screws 21 .and secures therebetween the marginal portion of a flexible diaphragm 22. The cover member I9 may, if desired, be provided with a plurality of mounting bosses 23 disposed at spaced intervals about the flanged portion 23 thereof to enable the-device to be mounted in or on a suitable panelb'oard, partition or the like.

The flexible diaphragm 22.-may advantageously be fabricated from synthetic rubber reinforced with nylon fabric and resistant to aromatic fuel. The material Sirvene or, in fact, any other suitable material which possesses flexibility aswellzas the ability to withstand *the deleterious effect of the fluid being handled maybe employed in the fabrication of the diaphragm 22. The-diaphragm 22 is centralling :apertured to receive the valve assembly 24 which cooperates with the'seat H at the uppermost end of the outlet passage It to control the flow of fluid from the :well I4 .into said outlet passage IS.

The valve assembly 24 includes an annular member 25 having a centrally disposed stem portion v2E5 formed integrally therewith which is adapted to project through the aperture in the flexible diaphragm 22. The stem portion 2-5 is externally thread-ed and has a passage 21 extending axially thereof for interconnecting a chamber 31 formed within the recess 32 in the .cover member I9 above the diaphragm 22 with the outlet passage 4'6. A -.disk 2.8 "is adapted to be threaded upon the external peripheryof the stem portion 26 for securing the flexible diaphragm 22 between said disk and the annular member 25. Acap 23 (see Figure may also be screwed upon the threaded external periphery? of the stem portion 23 of the annular member 25 to lock the disk 28 in place.

A suitable non-metallic insert or ring 30 may be provided in the under side f the annular member '25 for contact with the seat portion H on the elbow portion I5 of the casting H. The ring 30 may be made of neoprene, rubber, artificial rubber .or any other suitable non-metallic plastic material which will be resistant to the action of the fluid for the control of which the fluid control unit If! .is employed and serves to form a fluid tight seal for the outlet passage I6 to prevent the passage of fluid therethrough. Moreover, the ring 30 operates :to prevent a'met- 'al-toemetal contact within :the body of the .fluid occupying interior of the fluid control unit II), a feature which is of utmost importance where highly volatile and inflammable fluids are being handled.

The flexible diaphragm 22 ;is adapted, as previously indicated, to be actuated by the production of a pressure differential between that portion of the :fluid confined in the chamber 31 .and that portion :of the fluid introduced to the intennalwell M in the casting "I I through the inlet duct [-2. This may be accomplished in any :satisfactory manner but is preferably achieved by the employment of the pilot valve structure .35 which will now be described :in detail.

- The pilot valve structure 35, which is advane tageouslyof the solenoid operated type, embodies a generally tubular member 36 inserted in an aperture 3] in the cover member I9 and secured thereto in any suitable i fhion as, for example,

by welding, brazing or the like. The member 36 is preferably open at the end thereof secured to the cover member I9 to provide internal communication with the chamber 3| formed in the recess 32 thereof. The member 36 is preferably formed ofsome suitable non-magnetic material to provide a suitable guideway .orslidable mounting for the reciprocable core 38 which is preferably formed of soft iron or some other highly magnetic material.

Thecore 38-carries on the lowermost end thereof a conically shaped pilot valve 39 the shank portion 4.0 of which :is threaded into said core .andso disposed that the vertex of said valve 39 will .contact the inner periphery of a washer 41 inserted in the end of the stem portion 26 of the annular member 25 so as to register with the passageway .21. The conically shaped end portion of the pilot valve 39 is housed in the cap 29 being inserted therein by registration of the shank portion 40 witha radially extending slot 29a provided in the peripheral wall of the cap. The removal of the pilot valve 39 from contact with the Washer 41 upon the actuation of the core 38 will cause the passageway 21 to be opened thus permitting fluid confined in the chamber 3| to pass through the slot 29a in the cap 29 (Figure -5) through said passageway 21 into the outlet passage I6 to create a pressure differential on opposite faces of the .flexible diaphragm 22.

In addition to the pressure differential created by the openingof the passage 21, the base of the conically shaped end portion of the pilot valve 33 contacts the .end wall of the cap 29 through which the shank portion All extends.

When the pilot valve 39 is raised from contact with the washer M, the entire valve assembly 24 will be lifted off theseat I I. Thus the actuation of the pilot valve 39 assists the pressure differential created by the opening of passage 2'! .and insures a positive and full opening of the valve assembly 24 with respect toseat I7. This feature is not found in the conventional diaphragm valve unit in which the pressure differential alone is utilized and the diaphragm opens only in proportion to the extent that the pressure in the inlet exceeds that in the outlet.

A plug 42 is disposed internally of the tubular member '36 against a shoulder 43 formed internally thereof and held in place as by means of a crimp 44 of annular form which engages a similarly shaped groove cut in the outer periphery of said plug 42. The plug 42 is provided with an axially extending opening '45 therethrough which has a counterbore 46 adapted to receive .a coil spring 41 and shaped generally to conform to the uppermost end of the core 38. A rod 43 having an annular projection or flange 49 disposed adjacent one end thereof is threaded into the upper end of the core 38 and extends axially of the coil spring 41 through the opening 45 in the plug 42 so that the flange 49 will be disposed thereabove. A permanent magnet 50 formed of some suitable magnetic material such, for example, as the alloy known as Alnico, is slidably mounted upon the end of the rod 48 opposite that attached to the core '38 being retained thereon by means of the snap ring 5| against which said magnet 50 is urged by the spring '52 seated against the flange 49 on said rod 48.

The core 38 is adapted to be energized by a suitable electrical coil which serves to temporarily magnetize it so as to move it in an axial direction within the tubular member 36 and toward the plug 42. The electricalcoil here pref-' erably takes the form of a pair of coils and 56 which are wound upon the exterior of a generally cylindrical member 51 at the opposite ends of which are mounted the disks 58 and. 59. The cylindrical member 51 and the disks 58 and 59 are adapted to form a spool which may be slipped over the outer periphery of the tubular member 36 and supported by the upper end of the cover member 9.

The end of the tubular member 36 opposite that secured to the cover member |9 is closed by the end wall 66 and is externally threaded as at 6| terminating in the shoulder 62. The houlder 62 is adapted to support a shielding disk 63 which is urged thereagainst as by means of a nut 64 and a look nut both of which are threaded on the external thread 6| on the end of the tubular member 36. 7

Completely enclosing the pilot valve structure 35 just 'described is an open ended tubular shell 61 which is disposed concentrically with respect to the core 38 and secured to the cover member |9 as by means of a ring 68 which is adapted to be brazed, welded, soldered or otherwise suitably secured to the shell 61. A plurality of machine screws 69 serve to demountably attach the ring 68 and a suitable gasket 16 to the outermost wall of the cover member |9 in such fashion that the shell 61 will cooperate'with the disk 68 to provide a substantially leak-proof seal 7 for preventing any external leakage of fluid from the fluid control unit ID from entering the interior of the shell 61. v

i In like manner, the tubular member 36, the disk 58 and the cylindrical member 51 cooperate to minimize the possibility of leakage of the'fiuid being handled by the fluid control unit I6 from the chamber 3| into the interior of the shell 61. A suitable cap 1| is adapted to be threaded upon the uppermost end of the shell 61 so as to efiectively close on: the interior of the shell 61 and at the same time to provide access thereto in case it should be necessary or desirable.

An aperture 12 is provided in the shell 61 so as tobe located thereon at a point substantially between the shield 63 and the disk 59 therein. An annular member 13 which supports a conduit connection 15 for a suitable electrical conduit is secured to the outer wall of the shell 61 as by means of a plurality of machine screws 14 extending through said conduit connection 15 and said annular member 13 into the wall of the shell 61. The conduit connection 15'is provided with a pairof conductors 16 and 11 of which the,

former is adapted to be connected to the coils 55 and 56. The conductor 11 is connected with one of a pair of contacts in a manner to be hereinafter described.

A spring arm 19 which is grounded is secured to the upper face of the shie1d63. The'arm 19 is provided with a contact 86 which is adapted to make contact alternately with the fixed contacts 8| and 82. The fixed contact 8| is supported above the shield 63 adjacent the contact 86on the arm 19 by means of a bent strip 83 of suitable conducting material such, for example, as copper or the like secured to said shield 63 and connected to a suitable conductor 84. The conductor 84 is connected to an end of each of the coils 55 and 56. The fixed contact 82 is mounted directly on the shield 63 at a point adjacent the contact 86 on the arm 19. a

' The arm 19 is mounted in such fashion that its contact 86 will be shifted between the flxed contactsf8l and .82 by virtue of its being, attracted by virtue of its being mounted upon the rod 48 secured to said core 38 will approach the end wall 66 of the tubular member 36.

. In so doing, the permanent magnet 56 will cause the spring arm 19 to be attracted to its thereby making contact between its contact 86 and the fixed contact 82 and at the same time breaking contact with the fixed contact 8 I. It will be understood that, as the core 38 is shifted and withdraws the permanent magnet from close proximity to the end wall 66 of the tube 36, the at traction of the spring arm 19 for said magnet will be broken and the spring action of the arm will cause the contact 86 to again make contact with the fixed contact 8|.

As previously indicated, it is desirable to have the cap 1| threaded upon the end of the shell 61 to enable it to be removed for access to the interior of said shell. It is also desirable to provide a milled or knurled surface for the outermost periphery of the cap 1| for engagement with a spring latching member 85. The spring latching member 85 is secured to the annular member 13 mounted upon the exterior of the shell 61 to engage one of the grooves formed on said cap 1| to prevent unauthorized unscrewing of the cap 1| from the shell '61.

Before discussing the electrical circuits of Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings embodying. certain of the elements hereinbefore described, it is preferable to describe another important feature of the fluid control unit l6. As previously indicated, conventional diaphragm type valves will only operate when the pressure of the fluid on the inlet side of the valve execeeds that on the outlet side. The fluid control unit I6 of the present invention has a compensatory means 88 provided for the purpose of efiecting a greater pressure of the fluid on the upper than on the lower side of the diaphragm 22 to hold the valve assembly 24 in closed position with respect to the seat ll of the outlet passage l6, except when it is intended to be opened by the operation of the pilot valve structure 35.

The flexible diaphragm 22 is imperforate and imprevious to the fluid being handled by the device so that, in order to admit fluid to chamber 3| to cause. a pressure differential across the diaphragm, it is necessary to provide communicating passages in the casting both between the chamber 3| in the cover l9 and the internal well M as well as between said chamber and the outlet passage 6. Thus, the compensatory means 88 embodies a passage 89 formed in the wall of the casting and opening into the chamber 3| of the cover member l9 through the aid of a passage 96 formed in said cover.

A pair of branch passages 9| and 92 join the passage 89 near the bottom of the casting The branch passage 92 connects directly with a 7 central cavity 93 formed in the recess 94 proof machine screws 91.

extends through the bottom wall .of the casting I ZI and opens-into the internal well It therein to connect the same with a passage I! formed in the base 96 and communicating with the bore 99 therein. A passage I 02 directly connects the outlet passage 16 with the recess 94 formed in the bottom of the casting I I.

In order to prevent the possibility of leakage between the base 96 and the bottom of the casting II to which it is secured, the web portion of .a flexible diaphragm 103 serves as a gasket and also separates the recess .94 from the bore 99. As an additional precaution against escape of the fluid being handled by the fluid control unit i0, sleeves i 1 and 1.05 are inserted in suitable counterbores to interconnect passages SH, 95 and I001, -I;0I,.respectively. A similar sleeve I06 one end of which is closed except for a small orifice I01 therein is inserted at the joint between the casting I l and the cover member I9 to interconnect passages 89 and 90, respectively, and to prevent leakage of fluid at the joint.

The flexible diaphragm I03, which may be fabricated from the same material as employed in the manufacture of the diaphragm 22, is centrally apertured to receive the valve member I08 which is secured thereto. The valve member I108 may advantageously be constructed in two parts of substantially annular form and designated as IE9 and I I0 in Figure 2. The'part I09 is provided with a stem portion III which projects through the aperture in the diaphragm I03 for carrying the part IE9 thereon. The end of the stem portion III of the part I09 is peened over the outer face of the part I i0 so as to secure the diaphragm I03 between said parts I09 and H 0. A spring H2 is adapted to be disposed between the under side of the part H0 and the bottom of the bore 99 in the base 96 to compensate for the weight of the valve member I98 so that the fluid pressure exerted upon the diaphragm I03 need not overcome this weight in order to function.

Encircling the central cavity 93 in the recess 94 there is provided an annular bead H3. This ead H3 is adapted to form a seat for engagement with an annular insert I I4- provided in the part I09 of the valve member I08 to insure against the possibility of leakage of fluid therebetween when the valve member I08 is in contact with said bead H3. A similar head portion H5 encompasses the central cavity 98 in the base of the bore 29 formed in the base 96. As in the case of the bead H3, this bead H5 cooperates with the insert He provided in the part H0 of the valve member I08 to provide a suitable closure for said cavity when the valve member I08 is in its lowermost position opposed to that illustrated in Figure 2.

The series of passageways hereinbefore described thus serves in cooperation with the valve member E08 and the diaphragm I03 to alternately interconnect the chamber 3I in the cover member IS with the internal well I4 in the casting II and said chamber 3I with the outlet passage IB in the casting II. Thus, when the pressure of the fluid admitted to the internal well It in the casting lI through the inlet bore I2 ex ceeds the pressure of the fluid in the outlet passage I6, a portion of the fluid in the internal well It will enter the passages I00 and Itll, the bore 99, passage 95 intercommunicating with the central cavity 9.8 in the bore 99 by reason of the fact that the valve member I08 .is in its uppermost position as indicated in-Figures 1 and 2. The fluid disposed in the passage 95 will pass through the sleeve I04 into the branch passage SI and the passage 89 in the casting II into the chamber 3| in the cover member I9 through the passage 90 and the orifice III! of the sleeve I06 to the upper side of the diaphragm 22.

It will be understood that with the flexible diaphragm I03 and valve I08 of the compen satory means 88 in the position illustrated in Figure 2, the total pressure exerted by the fluid on the upper side of the diaphragm 22 and the valve assembly will exceed that of the fluid on the under side of the diaphragm alone. This continues as long as the valve member 24 is seated against the seat I? at the upper end of the outlet passage I6 and the fluid pressure in the inlet duct I2 exceeds that in the outlet duct I3.

If, in the course of the operation of the fluid control unit I0, the fluid pressure in the outlet duct I3 and outlet passage I6 should become greater than that of the fluid entering the inlet duct I2 through the internal Well I4, communication will be established between the chamber (H in the cover member I9 and the outlet passage I6. In so doing, the fluid in the outlet passage I6 will flow through the passage I02 into the recess 94 and cause the valve member I08 to be moved to its lowermost position so that the insert H6 therein will contact the bead H5 and close off the central cavity 98 simultaneously opening the central cavity 93 to the fluid in the recess 9%. This fluid enters the branch passage 92 and passage 89 in the casting II passing into the chamber 3| of the cover member I9 through the sleeve I06 and passage to the upper side of the diaphragm 22.

Thus, as in the instance when the pressure of the fluid in the inlet exceeds the pressure of the fluid in the outlet,'the pressure exerted by the fluid upon the upper side of the diaphragm 22 will again be greater than that on the under side thereof even though the fluid pressure differential across the valve is reversed. The fluid retains the flexible diaphragm 22 and the valve member 24 in place against seat I! until the pressure in the chamber 3I is released as when the pilot valve structure 35 is actuated to open the orifice 21.

The fluid control unit I0 is particularly advantageously employed in a fuel system such, for example, as that employed in an airplane in which a plurality of fuel tanks disposed in various parts of an airplane serve to supply fuel to the engine.

A typical installation of this character is shown diagrammatically in Figure 3 of the drawings in which tanks I29, I2I and I22 represent sources of fuel disposed in various parts of the wings and fuselage of the airplane. Each of the tanks 29 to I22, inclusive, is provided with a respective booster pump I23 to I25, inclusive, for supplying fuel under pressure to the engine I26. A main supply line I27 connected to a carburetor I28 for the engine I26 may be supplied with fuel from the tanks I29 to I22, inclusive, by suitable conduits or tubes I29 to I3I, inclusive. One of the fluid control units I0, Ifia, Iiib, all of which are identical to the fluid control unit I0 of Figures 1 and 2, may be interposed in the tubes I29, I30, and I'S'I, respectively, between the several tanks I20, I2I and H22 and the main supply tube I 2i for controlling the flow of fuel from each of the several tanks to the engine I26.

The several switches 132, i32a and I32b,whi'ch may be of the simple push-button or tog leswitch type, are adapted-to be mounted in some readily accessible positionin the airplane such, for example, as on the control panel thereof. The switches I32, I320. and I32b are adapted to control the electrical current from a suitable supply source such, for example, as the battery I33, to each of the several fluid control devices I0, Illa, and I01), respectively, with which they are interconnected as by means of suitable conductors I6, 16a and 1612, together with the auxilia-.

ry connections TI, Na and TH), respectively.

Thus, if it is desired to supply the engine I26 with fuel from a single tank I29, the switch I32 may be tripped to the on position, as indicated in Figure 3. This operation of'switch I32 actuates the fluid control unit I for opening the tube I29 to the flow of fuel from the tank I20 to the main supply line 52'! and thence to the carburetor I 28. An electrical circuit is completed by the operation of the switch I32 from the battery I33 through the conductor I6 and the conductor TI to operate the fluid control device I0 which is connected to a suitable ground.

The electrical circuit for each individual one of the several fluid control devices I9, Mia and lb, is diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 4 of the drawings in which, upo n the closing of the switch I32, battery I33 will supply electrical current to operate one of said devices, in this case, the fluid control unit I0. The electrical circuit from the battery I33 is completed across the switch I32 through the conductor #6 and the coil 55 which serves as a pick-up coil aifording. relatively low resistance to the passage of the current. This pick-up coil 55 creates an intensified magnetic field to actuate the core 38 which carries the cone-shaped valvemember 39 of the fluid control unit I0, as will be seen from Figure 2. This coil 55 exerts a force which is suflicient to disengage the valve member 39 from the seat defined by the washer 4 I The electrical current passing through the pick-up coil 55 is carried by the conductor 84 to the upper fixed contact BI with which the contact 30 will be closed, by virtue of the fact that the spring arm I9 is in its normal position, to complete the circuit to the ground. The energization of the pick-upccil 55 causes the core 30 to become temporarily magnetized and to move axially of the tubular member 36 against the biasing action of the spring 41. At the same time, the core 38 raises the permanent magnet 50 mounted upon the end of the rod 48 secured to the core 38.

As the permanent magnet 50 approaches the end wall 60 of the tubular member 36, it operates to attract the spring arm I9 toward it and causes the contact 80 thereof to break contact with the upper fixed contact 8I and thereafter to make contact with the lower fixed contact 02. This operation through the holding coil 56 maintains the magnetic field about the core 38.- The holding coil 56 is of relatively high resistance as compared with the pick-up coil 55 and retains the core 38 in its retracted position adjacent to the plug 42 for the desired period of operation of supplying fuel from the tank I20 to theengine I26.v

' Immediately upon the closing of the contact 80 of the springarm I9 with respect to the lowermost fixed contact 82, a circuit is completed from the battery I33 through the conductors I6 and fixed n t 8 a m v b emn ac 80. n the spring arm I9 whichis grounded. Thus, a

the light I34 connected into the conductor 11' will be energized or lighted; -A light I34 may be positioned upon the control panel adjacent each of the severals'witches I32, -I32a and I32b corresponding to each ofthe several fluid control units I0, Iila and- I0b, respectively, to indicate when the particular fluid control unit being operated is fully opened.

It will be understood from Figure 2 of the drawings-that, when the core 38 is retracted due to the energization of the coils 55 and 56 from the battery I33 in themanner above described, the cone-shapedvalve member 39 will be withdrawn from the washer M in the upper end of the stem po rtion 26 thereby opening the passfageway 2! extending through the annular member 25. This operation immediately permits the.

escape of fluid entrapped in the chamber 3| formed in the recess 32 cfthe covermember' I9 through outlet. passage II6 and outlet bore I 3. This escape of Ifiuid from the chamber 3! immediately creates'a pressure differential on the flexible diaphragm 22 as between the chamber 3I andithe internal well I4 inthe casting II.

The fluid pressure exerted upon theunder'side 0f theflexible diaphragm 22 and the cooperationbetween the pilot valve 39 and the cap 29 cause the valve member to be raised out. of contact with itsseat IT on the uppermost end of the outletpassage I6. Thus, an unobstructed flow offluidtakes-place from the inlet bore I2 through the internal well I4 and thence through outlet passa e, I6 andoutlet bore I3. r Y Thefluid control unit 10 of the present invention is particularly advantageous for the: reason that isprovides a highly satisfactory method'of controlling the flow of fluid in a fluid supply system.- The operation of the device, as hereinabove described, is such that the energizing of Coils 55 and 56 and the consequent lifting of the solenoid core 38 will assist the fluid pressure differential created'by'theopening of the passage 21 in the diaphragm 22 and will cause the valve member 24 to be raised away from the seat II. This actuation of the valve member 24 provides an'unobstructed flow of thefluid from the well I4 through the' outlet passage I6 so that no appreciable drdpfin the pressure exerted on the fluid by the booster pump I23 adjacent the fuel tank I20 will be experienced.

. The feature is of considerable importance for the, reason that it effectively eliminates mechan--. ical vaporization of the fluid in the valve due to the building up of pressure therein and thereby prevents the possibility of the occurrence of vapor lock By're'asonjofthe' provision of the compensatory means 68 in the fluid control unit I0 of'the present invention, there will be no possibility of the occurrence of a false operation of the unit. In other words, the device will not operate to permit fluid to flow from the outlet to the inlet in the event of a pressure difierential occurring therebetween. 7 It has been found that a pressure change as slight as 0.7 lb. per square inch between the inletand outlet connection will cause the compensatory means 88 to operate.

j The use of a' suitable signalling means such as the light I34 serves as a highly efficient method of determining at all times the state of operation" of the fluid controljunit I0 or its associated devices employed in the sy tem. By virtue of the electrical circuit of Figure 4 associated with the fluidcontrol unit I0, it willbe understood that a fixed relationship exists at all times between the valve Operating mechanism of the fluid controlunit, and signalling means. Thus, the light Hi4 will go out when the valve is closed or when the solenoid is deenergized in the event that the electrical circuit becomes defective for any reason.

It will, of course, be understood that various details of construction may be varied through a wide rangewithout departing from the principles of this invention and it is, therefore, not the purpose to limit, the patent granted hereon otherwise than; necessitated by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim as follows 1. A fluid control device for handling fluid under pressure comprising a casing, an inletconnection and an outlet connection in the casing, a port between said inlet and outlet connections, a flexible diaphragm in the casing movable toward and away from said port for opening and closing the outlet connection, a chamber in said casing on the opposite side of the diaphragm from the inlet and outlet connections, said diaphragm being responsive to pressure within said chamber tending to seat said diaphragm on said port, and fluid actuated means communicating with both the inlet and the outlet connections and responsive to the. pressure differential between said connections for admitting a portion of the fluid: under pressure to said chamber from that one of said connections in which the fluid pressure is the greater and preventing undesired opening of said diaphragm when the outlet pressure exceeds the inlet pressure. 7

2. In a fuel system, a plurality of fuel tanks, an engine employing fuel from said tanks, piping interconnecting the tanks and the engine, a booster pump in the discharge line of each tankfor applying pressure to the fuel in the system, and shut-off means disposed between said pump and said engine for each tank, each of: said shutoff means comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet connected to said piping, first valve means embodying a flexible diaphragm responsive tq the pressure on the fuel for controlling the flow of fuel through the casing, second valve means embodying a flexible diaphragm for preventing false operation of, the first valve means and a i r r e fle f f l h ough h a in om the outlet toward the inlet, pilot valve means for opening the first valve means to, direct fuel from he inl t o he outl of th s u -oft un t, a nall mean wa t n i h aid p lot. v v

means or indica ngw en th r t. valv means s ully en,

3 A fl i c nt ol device. c m r s n a. a ng having an inlet and an outlet connection for re spectively. introducing fluid under pressure to, and vv'ithdrawing fluid from the casing, a, flexible dia; phragm movable into engagement with and. dis-l engagement from said outlet connection foropene. ingiiand-closingsaid outlet connection, a chamber in, said casing on the opposite side of said dia-ev phragm from the inlet and outlet connections, said diaphragm being'responsive. to pressure With.- in said chambertending; to engage said dia'. phragm with said outlet connection, fluid actuatedzvalve means for alternately providing communication between the inlet connection andthe chamber and between the outlet connection and. the-chamber and including passageways from said inlet and outlet connections to opposite sides of said valve means and other passageways from opposite sides of said valve means tosaid chamber,

said fluid actuated valve means beingresponsivetojthe diffierential pressure in said inlet and outl t nn c n a d movable t ereby to establish co mun ca o be e n said cha b r and the connection having the greater pressure, said diaphragm having a passageway therethrough and valve means closl f said passageway and operable to open said passageway and relieve the fluid pressure on the side of the diaphragm adjacent; the chamber and move the diaphragm into position to open the outlet connection by the inlet pressure against said diaphragm.

4. A pilot controlled fluid actuated diaphragm valve comprising an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, a valve between said chambers including a valve seat defining a port and a diaphragm movable by fluid pressure to close said port, said inlet chamber and said outlet chamber being on the. same side of said diaphragm as said seat, a third chamber on the opposite side of said diaphragm, said diaphragm being responsive to pressurevvithin said: chamber tending to seat said diaphragm on said port, said diaphragm having an opening communicating said third chamber with said outlet chamber, a pilot valve associated with said opening toopen and close the same, and means including a first passage connected to the inlet chamber, a second passage connected to said outlet chamber, a. third passage communicating with said third chamber, a reservoir connected to each of; said passages, a diaphragm pressure actuated valve closing said, third passage to the flow of fluid from said flrst or second passage and controlling flow to said third passage and movable in response to the pressure differential in said first and second passages to open said third passage to.whichever of said first, and second passage hasthe greater pressure therein,

5; A fluid control device comprising a casing having inlet and outlet chamberswi-th a connect-s ing port therebetween, a flexible diaphragm, a valve on, said diaphragm associated with said port for opening and closing the same,.said diaphragm being subjected on one sidetoinlet pressure tending to close said. valve and on the other side to inlet, pressure over a portion of said diaphragm and outlet pressure on another portion thereof tending to open said valve, said valve having a bleeder passage extending therethrough, a pilot valve movable into engagement with said bleeder passage. for closing the same and. movable away from said passageto establish communication between said one side and; said; outlet to efiect a decrease in, pressure on said one side of said diaphragm permitting inlet pressure on the other side of said diaphragm to move said, valve to opening position, cap means surrounding the pilot valve and secured tothevalve on, the diaphragm, a solenoid having an armature. connected with said pilot valve, said solenoid being ener izable to actuate the pilot valve to open the bleeder passage and to contact: the cap means to assist, the pressure differential, across, the. diaphragm to raise the valve on the diaphragm to fully. open position with respect to the outlet connection.

6. A fluidv controlled, device comprisinga casing a casing. havinganinlet and an outlet connection with a connecting; port, achamber disposed in said casing, a diaphragm valve disposed over said. port between said chamber and said connectionsfor closing said, portand having a portionsubject to,pressure in the inlet connection and. having anaperture therethroughbetween said chamber and. said outlet conneotion,a first conduit connecting said inlet tosaidehamber-for equalizing the pres-- sureon bothsidesof said. diaphragm, a. pilot valve assume associated with said apertur'e'andinovable away therefrom for releasing the pressure in said chamber to the outlet connection allowing fluid under pressure in said inlet connection to act on said portion of said diaphragm valve to lift the same off said port to permit unrestricted flow from said inlet to said outlet, a second conduit from said outlet to said chamber and pressure sensitive valve means connected with said first and second conduits and operative on the differential in pressure between both said first and second conduits, and being effective in one position for connecting said outlet to said chamber when the pressure in said outlet connection exceeds the pressure, in said inlet connection, whereby the pressure in said chamber will be equalized with that in said outlet connection and whereby no flow from said chamber to said outlet connection will result when said pilot valve is actuated.

7. A fluid control device comprising a casing, a flexible diaphragm in said casing dividing the interior thereof into a first and second chamber, said first chamber having an inlet and an outlet for respectively introducing fluid under pressure to and withdrawing it from said first chamber, a port between said inlet and outlet closed by pressure in said second chamber exerted against said diaphragm, said casing having a first passage interconnecting the inlet with the second chamber and a second passage connecting the outlet with the second chamber, and fluid actuated valve means connected with said passages and operable responsive to pressure differentials in said inlet and outlet passage and movable when the outlet pressure is greater than the inlet pressure to open said second passage to supply fluid under pressure to said second chamber.

8. A fluid control device for handling fluid under pressure comprising a casing, an inlet and an outlet connection in the casing, a port between said inlet and outlet cnnection, a flexible diaphragm in the casing movable toward and away from said port for opening and closing the outlet connection, a chamber in said casing on the opposite side of said diaphragm from the inlet and outlet connection, and fluid pressure in said chamber moving said diaphragm into position to close said port, said casing having a first passage interconnecting the inlet connection with the chamber and a second passage connecting the outlet connection with the chamber, and fluid actuated valve means connected with said first and second passages and responsive to pressure differential in the inlet and outlet connections and movable when the outlet pressure is greater than the inlet pressure to open said scond passage to supply fluid under pressure to said chamber.

9. A fluid control device for handling fluid under pressure comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet therein, a port between said inlet and outlet, a flexible diaphragm in the easing movable into engagement with said port for controlling the flow of fluid through said outlet, said inlet and said outlet being disposed on the same side of the diaphragm, a chamber on the opposite side of the diaphragm from said inlet and outlet and pressure within said chamber moving said diaphragm into engagement with said port, said casing having passages therein connecting said inlet and outlet connections with said chamber, and fluid actuated valve means connected with said passages and responsive to pressure differential between said inlet and outlet passage and movable by the pressure in the outi 14 let passage when the outlet pressure is greater than the inlet pressure to supply pressure to said chamber through said outlet connection.

10. A fluid control device comprising a casing having inlet and outlet connections for the passage of fluid under pressure therethrough, a port connecting said inlet and outlet connections, a flexible diaphragm engageable with said port to close the same, and fluid operated valve means responsive to the diiferential pressures between said inlet and outlet connections and including a pressure line to the side of said diaphragm remote from said port, and said valve being connected with said inlet and outlet connections and operative whenever the fluid pressure in the outlet connection exceeds that in the inlet connection, to open said pressure line for the admission of fluid under outlet pressure to said remote side of said diaphragm to urge said diaphragm toward its closed position.

11. A fluid control device comprising a' casing having inlet and outlet connections for the passage of fluid under pressure therethrough, a port connecting said inlet and outlet connections, a flexible diaphragm engageable with said port to close the same, fluid operating means sensitive to pressure differential in said inlet and outlet connections and operated whenever the fluid pressure in the outlet exceeds that in the inlet connections to supply pressure to the side of said diaphragm opposite from said port and urge the diaphragm toward its closed position, a pressure relief opening in said diaphragm and a pilot valve connected to open or close said opening and control movement of said diaphragm toward and from said port by the differential in pressure thereon.

12. A pilot controlled fluid actuated diaphragm valve comprising an inlet chamber adapted to receive fluid under pressure, an outlet chamber, a pressure operated valve member between said chambers including a port and a diaphragm having an aperture therethrough, said diaphragm being otherwise imperforate and moved to open and closed positions by the differential in pressure on opposite sides thereof, a pilot valve disposed to open and close said aperture and control the fluid pressure to which said diaphragm is subjected, solenoid operated means for actuating the pilot valve to open said aperture and create a pressure differential across the diaphragm in a direction to open said port between said chambers, means on said diaphragm engageable by said pilot valve to shift said valve member to fully opened position upon operation of the solenoid operated means, and means for rendering the pilot inoperative to control said diaphragm when the fluid pressure in the outlet chamber exceeds the fluid pressure in the inlet chamber.

13. In a fuel system, a plurality of fuel tanks, an engine employing fuel from the tanks, piping interconnecting the tanks and the engine, a booster pump in the discharge line of each tank for applying pressure to the fuel in the system, and shut-01f means disposed between said pump and said engine for each tank, each of said shutoff means comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet connected to said piping, first valve means employing a flexible diaphragm responsive to the pressure on the fuel for controlling the flow of fuel from the casing, a second valve means embodying a flexible diaphragm for preventing false operation of the first valve means and a reverse flow of fuel from the casing from the outlet toward the inlet, and pilot valve means for assem- 1'5 opening the valve means to direct; the fuel from. the inlet. to the outlet of the valve unit.-

14.. A fluid control device comprising a hollowcasing defining a chamber and having inlet and outlet connections opening into said chamber, a

diaphragm disposed in. said casing between said inlet and outlet connections. and said. chamber and operated by pressure insaid chamber to block the passage of fluid from said. inlet to said outlet, connections, and having an aperture therethrough connecting said outlet to. said chamber, a. valve member secured to said diaphragm andmovable. into. closing position into. engagement with the end of said outlet connection upon actuation-v of said diaphragm by the diiferential in pressure thereon, a pilot valve movable toward and away from said aperture. to control flow of fluid therethrough, means for actuating said pilot val-ve, a by-pass line connecting said chamber to. said inlet and outlet connections, valve means dis.- posed. in said by-pass line and arranged to connect said chamber to that one of said connections.

in which the fluid pressure is greater, whereby if said outlet pressure is greater, actuation of said pilot valve will not effect the position of said diaphragm and when said inlet pressure is greater, the pressure in said chamber will be decreased permitting lifting of said diaphragm and said diaphragm valve away from the end of said outlet connection.

HAROLD B. DRAPEAU.

116 REFERENCES: CITED.-

The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED.- STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 570,727. Gale 1-" Nov. 3, 1896 6203829 Batchelor Mar. 7, 1899 1,157,870 Houser 1 Oct. 26, 1915 1,367,460: Caudron Feb. 1, 1921 1,407,374 Buckend-ale Feb. 21, 1922 1,776,877 Yonkese Sept. 30, 1930 1,800,352 Klees Apr. 14, 1931 1,953g671 Conran Apr. 3, 1934 1,989,341 Shenton Jan. 29, 1935 2,086,037 Kronmiller July 6, 1937 2,135,243 Swain Nov. 1, 1938' 2,176,580 Buttner Oct. 17', 1939 2,234,110. Debrey Mar. 4, 1941 2,273,127 McGoldrick Feb. 17, 1-942 2,292,477 Ray Aug. 11, 1942 2,294,693. Ray Sept. 1, 1942 2,303,382 Newhouse Dec. 1, 1942 2,305,151 Fields Dec. 15, 1942 2,349,209 Taylor May 16, 1944 2,362,631 Harris- NOV. 14, 1944 2,378,404 Grant June 19, 1945 2,388,868 Ray Nov. 13, 1945 2,409,871 Krough- Oct. 22, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date Great Britain Oct. 4, 1917 

